August 2022 Outdoor Discovery

11th Annual Great Hudson River Fish Count Takes Place August 6

Do you ever wonder what lurks beneath the surface of the Hudson River? Join naturalists on Saturday, August 6 for the Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count to find out! The count takes place at 12 sites along the banks and piers of the Hudson River from New York City to the Capital Region. During this family-friendly, free event, participants are invited to explore the amazing variety of slippery, wriggly, and fascinating creatures usually hidden below the river’s surface. You can watch from shore or jump into available waterproof waders and help pull in the net. The fish are released after everyone has a chance to see them up close.

Fresh upriver and salty at New York City, the Hudson River’s estuary and watershed are home to more than 220 fish species. For details on sites and times, please visit DEC’s website. The event is sponsored by DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Program.

Recreation Highlight: Lyon Mountain Fire Tower

With a rich history of mining, Lyon Mountain is a towering peak in the Chazy Highlands Wild Forest in Clinton County. The mining started in the 1860s and continued until 1967. It produced some of the purest iron ore in the world, and some of that ore was even used to build the Golden Gate Bridge.

At 3,830 feet, Lyon Mountain has a large open summit scattered with beautiful spruce trees. There are splendid views of Chazy Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks. On very clear days, you can also enjoy views of the Green Mountains in Vermont and Montreal in Quebec, Canada. In addition, this mountain has a fire tower that can be climbed for an even more expansive view.

A new trail was built by the Adirondack Mountain Club approximately 10 years ago. It is a pleasant trail with three bridges and a series of switchbacks that gradually takes you to the summit. This 6.8-mile round trip hike makes for a terrific day out in nature. The parking area is one-mile up a seasonal dirt road off Chazy Lake Road. There is a DEC sign for Chazy Highlands at the beginning of the dirt road. The trail starts opposite of the parking area. Also, check out the Lyon Mountain Mining and Railroad Museum. It is open on Wednesdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2914 Standish Road, Lyon Mountain.

Remember to Use Local Firewood When Camping

Many people like to take firewood from their homes before traveling to a campsite. Invasive pests like the emerald ash borer or Asian long-horned beetle often hitch a ride to new areas in untreated firewood. As a result, transport of untreated firewood across the state has caused outbreaks of these damaging pests.

Since 2009, New York State has regulated the movement of firewood to keep the spread of invasives down. If you choose to use untreated firewood, it must have been grown in New York and cannot be moved more than 50 miles from where it was grown or its source. Producers of firewood for sale are allowed to declare their business as the source provided the wood was grown within 50 miles of their business, and they must maintain documentation. Those moving untreated firewood for their own use must fill out a Self-Issued Certificate of Origin (PDF). Treated firewood, which has been heated to a core temperature of 160° F for 75 minutes and labeled as “New York Approved Heat-treated Firewood/Pest Free,” can be moved without restrictions. DEC has an interactive map that shows if the firewood’s source and its destination are within 50 miles.

Violation of firewood regulations can result in fines, penalties, and the potential destruction of beloved trees and habitats. The safest way to enjoy a campfire and protect New York forests is to buy and burn local firewood at your destination.

Remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry your Boat and Gear

Protect New York's waters from aquatic invasive species--clean, drain, and dry your boat and gear. Use boat wash stations, if available, and inspect your gear to keep lakes, rivers, and ponds clean.

For more information on how to avoid spreading aquatic invasive species check out DEC’s guidelines.

 Hiking Safety

Whether you’re going for a hike, a bike, a paddle, or fishing, Hike Smart NY can help you prepare with a list of 10 essentials, guidance on what to wear, and tips for planning your trip with safety and sustainability in mind.

Stick Together!

Hiking can be a great way to enjoy New York’s trails with friends and family. When traveling with a group, however, it’s important to plan for each member and stick together. Be realistic about the group’s fitness and skill level. Make your plan based on the least, not the most, experienced group member. Choose a trail or route that is within the comfort and ability of all group members.

Set the pace of the hike based on the slowest member of the group. Remember, hiking isn’t a race. The group is more likely to have a safe and enjoyable time on the trail if everyone is within their comfort zone. Avoid rushing far ahead of the group, ensure that the entire group is present before turning at any intersections, and coordinate rest breaks with every member.

Upcoming Events

Be sure to check out DEC's wide selection of outdoor activities on our events calendar. View activities for the upcoming month or all the planned events currently scheduled, including public hearings and meetings.

For specific information about upcoming events at DEC’s Environmental Education Centers, see the following links:

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (Albany County)

Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & Environmental Education Center (Erie County)

Rogers Environmental Education Center (Chenango County)

Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County)

Check Out Our Facebook Live Events

As always, be sure to visit our Facebook page for updates and to view our Facebook Live offerings. From adventures at fish hatcheries and nighttime hiking to Q&As about black bears, there is always something to see and learn.

Conservationist

The June/July Conservationist highlights some of the amazing sites and activities that are easily accessible in all regions of the State. Whether you want to view whales in ocean waters or bluebirds nesting along a dedicated birding trail, you can do it here in New York. And you can read about New York’s search and rescue efforts, camping, and even jumping worms, all in the latest edition of the Conservationist.

Try now, pay later. Visit DEC's website and click “bill me” on the subscription page and instantly become a subscriber, or call 1-800-678-6399.